e let

d through the hallway,

nuinely t

d vanished, replaced by the desp

eemed on the verge of passing

inuous attempts to demean Erik had backf

arrassment consum

s completely

him close for a moment, then

d, Harold crashe

ld's chest. His eyes were cold and menacing a

labored, each inhalation m

stare, the coldness seeme

apable o

hed Harold's face, dra

was wrong. Please

roke down, sobbing uncontrolla

imberly feeling both

, let'

rly, then nodded. He removed his foot a

is feet despite the pain and darted off w

elevator did he let out

ll kill you

.

is usual harmless act, flashing Kimberly a she

y the way, do you think that guy will seek revenge? If

uppress her mixed feelings. "Harold is mean, so he'll def

smiled broadly, somewhat surpris

ic or scream in such scenarios,

r composure-it matche

y's view of Erik subtly began to change

eached a ho

brief look before p

a luxury hotel, spacious and elegantly

d man resting against the pillows

lining his face, yet he had a rosy complexion an

bed stood tw

a white coat. The other wore a gray

this gentlema

middle-aged couple standing on

t as he cradled a cup in his hand, giving off a relaxed and cheerful air. Ac

eir entrance, all eyes in th

nd the elder with the white beard, the

e uniform-eyes wide i

hand, suddenly turned

a mix of bashfuln

led at Kimberly and asked, "Kimberly, what brings yo

er question was the one he wa

iced their faces lit up with anticipation, as th

ssed and had come prepared for this moment. She

, "This is Caden Smith. I've talked about him b

, "Caden, this is my grandfath

"Hello, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm truly looking

ther spat out the water he wa

er showed her s

arkled with amusement, and he burst out laughing robustl

prob

out any sign of discomfort, while

id serve in the military." Eduardo seemed quite please

per in Eduardo's ear, "I'm currently bound by c

he looked Erik over carefully before laughing loudly again. "Exce

her, curious yet at a loss for words,

seemed even more taken

completely

ut never someone with such audacity. How ha

s... unbeli

ly, as if they were old friends, left K

bed interjected harshly, "If you're going to talk, just t

moment shifted-his expression grew uneasy, and his right ha

s in the middle of a session with

following the elder's comment, h

narrowed sharply, and he involuntaril